PhD Position in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication

The Department of Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark, invites candidates to apply for a three-year funded PhD position in the CREATE Group (Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology). The application deadline is 19 June 2022. The job position is offered to start in September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Scope of the work

Focusing on computational design and digital fabrication, the successful candidate will carry out research in one or more research focus areas (listed below) and collaborate on projects that involve advanced computational modelling, robotic/digital fabrication, material innovation with applications in the field of architecture, engineering and construction. The successful candidate will work in a high-paced interdisciplinary environment and become part of a fast-growing research team that adopts a design-driven approach. Research activities will be interlinked to the development of a novel educational program in Civil and Architectural Engineering, where the selected candidate will contribute to teaching in the areas of architectural geometry, computational design and digital fabrication. 

CREATE Group and Research Environment

CREATE is the group for Computational Research in Emergent Architectural Technology led by Associate Professor Roberto Naboni. The group is based at the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) of the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense, within the Section for Civil and Architectural Engineering (CAE). Within the high-tech context of SDU, CREATE explores novel architectural ideas and processes at the intersection with the fields of computer science, robotics/digital manufacturing, and materialization processes. The group looks into the fast-evolving landscape of emerging technologies to conceive future-oriented projects and sustainable construction concepts that respond to the challenges of the built environment. The group´s activities are predominantly carried out in the CREATE Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for large-scale architectural robotics, additive manufacturing, mixed reality design, and construction, and the SDU Industry 4.0 laboratory. The TEK Faculty hosts a rather unique mix of competencies and easy access to facilities for structural and material testing, robotics and drones, rapid prototyping, mechanical and electronics workshops (and many more).

Focus Research Areas

The CREATE Group focuses on experimental and interdisciplinary research enabled by the latest advancements in computational techniques and fabrication technology. Within the overall research framework of the group, the applicant will be ideally developing original research in one or more of the following scholarship areas: 

• Computational design and performance-based design
• Advanced architectural geometry
• Architectural robotics, collaborative robotics, robot vision
• Design and fabrication with large-scale Additive Manufacturing (3DCP, FDM)
• Design and fabrication for Robotic Timber Construction and Assembly
• Wood- and bio-based fabrication processes
• Agent-based Modeling and Machine Learning
• Extended Reality (VR+MR) for design and construction

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will proactively participate in developing the CREATE Group's research, teaching and laboratory developments. The responsibilities include:

• Developing cutting-edge research in the fields of Computational Design and Digital Fabrication;
• Participating in the CREATE Group’s research projects, providing support in the design development and conducting fabrication work;
• Development of digital tools and computational workflows within the research area(s), in support of the group’s activities, and in relation to specific research and innovation projects;
• Co-teaching at bachelor's and master's level courses and workshops, co-supervising thesis students and interns in research activities;
• Disseminating results of research and teaching in peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, prizes, exhibitions, and through the group´s website and social media accounts;
• Contributing to the development, organization, and expansion of the CREATE Lab, and the university infrastructures related to the research focus activities;
• Supporting the group's engagement with key industrial and academic partners, nationally and internationally. 

Qualifications & Skills

Applications are accepted from candidates who hold a master's degree in architecture and building engineering (or related areas), and a proven track record of teaching and delivering computational design and digital fabrication projects. English proficiency (oral + written) is expected. Given the scope of work, the selection process will prioritize technically advanced individuals with advanced knowledge of Grasshopper, and demonstrated skills in at least one of the following areas:

• Design and/or robotics programming with Python or C#
• Digital fabrication with Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, CNC
• Finite Element Analysis

Contact information

For further information about this position and the CREATE Group's activity, contact Associate Professor Roberto Naboni, email: [email protected] . Website: https://www.create-sdu.com/ . 

Read more and apply for the position at https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/ledige_stillinger